5.56 or .308

[REDLINE]

Thanks guys!  I was aware of the Saigas.  I was thinking 7.62x51 in a traditional wood-stocked/pistol-gripped AK-47 look.  The Saiga does seem to be a perfectly fine weapon though.

[harrygunner]

I fondled a FN SCAR 17S yesterday.
   
When looking for a solution, it's important to identify the problem. I'm buying a rifle for self-defense in and around the home and land, defense against bears on my land and possible economic unrest motivated attacks/robberies. There's no large city nearby and the closest medium sized city it 50+ miles away. One can look to history to see having a good rifle could be important. But, in my lifetime, I haven't been in a battle, no military experience and no domestic firefights. 
   
Since there's no specific threat, the FN is interesting since it was designed for handling from close by to out to 500+ yd kinds of problems.

Looking for a good rifle that will serve me well for years to come. I don't like having lots of things I don't use. Don't own a lot of guns, so won't be buying a lot of rifles. It's easy to identify the "better" rifles, but choosing one is the interesting part. These kinds of rifles appear to bring with them a whole new arena to learn about.

[Bro KV]

I'd buy a LMT 308

[EdMc]

I like the M1A for myself. Several variants of different length barrels etc. Trained with rifle in the military and always liked it. But this me, not you. You may prefer the AR platform or some of the many other rifles available.

[REDLINE]

I fondled a FN SCAR 17S yesterday.

I'ld sure like to get my hands on one myself.  Though I do wish it was realistically in my near future to purchase one too.  Unfortunately not.   Someday though.
   

I don't like having lots of things I don't use.

I don't either and that's how I prefer it.

[harrygunner]

I'd buy a LMT 308

It's on my list to investigate. The better ones have been identified: Noveske N6, Rock River LAR-308, Colt LE901-16S.

Generally, my new task is to understand which will best meet my needs.

About the FN SCAR 17S, it was not as heavy as it looks; it does not have nor needs a 'forward assist'; the folding stock allows it to be transported more discretely; it is based on a rifle that has been adopted for military use.

One rifle is going to cost a bundle for magazines, ammo, a scope or two and training. But, if something serious happens, my handguns won't cut it. Looking forward to extending my knowledge a bit more. Thanks.

[s0nspark]

Have you considered something in .300 AAC Blackout? It uses standard AR-15 mags and supersonic ammo matches the 7.62x39mm ballistics...

[REDLINE]

About the FN SCAR 17S, it was not as heavy as it looks; it does not have nor needs a 'forward assist'; the folding stock allows it to be transported more discretely; it is based on a rifle that has been adopted for military use.

Another great attribute of the SCAR 17S is with its unique design it recoils little more than similar platforms set up for .223, and much less than other similar platforms in .308.  IMO that's some serious icing on the cake, on top of making good use of .308 in the first place, as opposed to a varmint cartridge.

[harrygunner]

   

Have you considered something in .300 AAC Blackout?

Thanks for the suggestion. Since this rifle will fill several roles, I want to stay with standard NATO rounds.
   
-- 
   
REDLINE, I like the SCAR 17S so far. I'm pressuring myself to keep an open mind as I learn more about BRs (black rifles).  But, it doesn't appear to be a wrong buy.

[REDLINE]

Yeah, I've done a fair amount of research on the various .380 platforms myself.  I always find myself going back to the SCAR 17S.  They cost a lot, but I can't find anything wrong with them either, while at the same time they appear to offer worthwhile benefits not found in any other.  I'm to the point of being able to say that if I had the money for one right now, I would own one right now.  But I don't, so it will simply stay on the "list" for now.  At some point though I do expect to own one.......or two.

[Ramjet]

Ruger Gunsite Scout rifle in 308 the link below gets you an accurate reasonably priced with tremendous reliability and versatility. Did I mention and simple and very rugged. If I had one and only one this is the one.

http://www.ruger.com/products/gunsiteScoutRifle/index.html

It is easy to carry and with a Trijicon scope you can shoot to very long distances. 10 round mags too boot.

The other I would consider is this Styer Scout Rifle

http://www.steyrarms.com/products/hunting-rifles/scout/

[REDLINE]

Outside of semi-autos you make a great point.

[REDLINE]

REDLINE, I like the SCAR 17S so far. I'm pressuring myself to keep an open mind as I learn more about BRs (black rifles).  But, it doesn't appear to be a wrong buy.

Another option to consider...just came across a relatively new 7.62x51mm offering by SIG SAUER called the 716 Patrol.  Seems to be a quality piece.

20rnd capacity, 16" chrome lined, Magpul PMAGs (probably easier to come by than proprietary designs), MIL-SPEC trigger group, used a short stroke pushrod operating system with 4 position gas valve, telescoping stock WITH cheek piece, M1913 Mil-Std rail, aluminum quad rail forend, 3 color choices, and is capable of MOA @ 100 yards.  Also, they say it's "tight", where you won't hear or feel all the rattling around type sounds associated with most of the production line AR15/AR10 family of rifles.

It's fairly heavy at 9.3 pounds w/o a mag (SCAR 17S is 8.0 pounds), but the kicker is that it comes in at an MSRP of $2132, which is almost $1000 less than the FNH SCAR

For closer comparison and pics:
FNH SCAR 17S - http://www.fnhusa.com/l/products/law-enforcement/carbines/scar-series/scar-17s/
SIG SAUER 716 Patrol - http://www.sigsauer.com/CatalogProductList/rifles-sig716.aspx

Doesn't really seem like either would be a wrong buy, with more or less a give and take of weight vs price between the two, with other various differences.

[harrygunner]

We think alike. 

Also held a Sig 716 while in the store. The clerk gave me pricing on it and the FN. The 716 is $1859.  The SCAR is $2899.

Still leaning toward the FN SCAR for the reasons I've listed.

Funny, I struggle with the idea of a 'forward assist'. I reminds me of whale tails on Porsche 911s, implying in my mind, the original design wasn't up to the task. 

Do appreciate the suggestions. Looks like it's going to take something exceptional to throw the FN SCAR 17S off the top of my list.

[REDLINE]

We're definately on the same page.

Thanks for listing the street pricing.

And I agree, even though the SIG option is nothing to sneeze at, there is no question the FNH SCAR 17S still holds top spot on my list too.  I can't imagine a future 7.62x51 platform that would change that.  Not saying it wouldn't be cool as heck for one to appear, just that FNH has the bar set pretty high at this time.

Someday I expect to have one.   It just won't be tomorrow.